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you can use for your visit to Puerto Rico. Just click on the topic below to find information you will need for
your visit to Puerto Rico. General Information On Puerto Rico Getting To and Around Puerto Rico Suggestions For Accommodations In Puerto Rico Suggestions For Things To See And Do In Puerto Rico Suggestions For Dining in Puerto Rico Favorite Places And Things To Do In Puerto Rico Books, Magazines and Other Information Puerto Rico Links Posters and Framed Art for Puerto Rico Discounts and Deals! |
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General Information
On Puerto Rico
The People of Puerto Rico |
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The People of
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has two thousand years of heritage with a
culture that combines the native Taino culture with influences from Creole, Spanish,
African, and American cultures. This interesting blend of culture can be heard
in the musical sounds of La Bomba (Puerto Rican dance music) and La Plena (Puerto Rican
folk music) that can be heard throughout the Puerto Rican streets. Many Puerto
Ricans identify more with their island culture than with their national
standing. This makes their independence a controversial topic for political
discussion. Puerto Ricans are very proud of their heritage and love to
talk about it. It is custom to always shake hands
when meeting with the locals, and upon your leaving.
Language
Although
Spanish is the main language spoken in Puerto Rico, you will also hear localized
versions that contain African, Taino, and English terms. When visiting, it is
appropriate to greet in Spanish as opposed to English, as it shows respect for
the Puerto Rican culture. And it is always better to ask of a local if he or she
speaks English before making an assumption.
Learn Spanish Today!
Isn't it time you learned another language? Spanish is fast
becoming one of the most popular language in the world. Countries in Europe,
the Caribbean, Central America, South America, North America and Africa have
countries where Spanish is the local language. These countries include
Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama,
Cube, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador,
Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Equatorial Guinea and
Mexico. If you plan to visit any of these countries, why not learn the
language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country
you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more.
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Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Entry Requirements
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, so U.S. citizens* do not need
a passport or visa. Canadian citizens should have birth certificate and photo ID
if they do not bring a passport. Citizens of the
U.K. as well as all other visitors will need a valid passport for entry.
| *The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes United States citizens! In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. For additional information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. |
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Health
and Safety
The water here is potable and safe to drink.
However, if you tend to have a sensitive stomach, you may prefer to stick to bottled water. It is
always best to take
precautions when traveling in place where you are not familiar with the locale.
Petty crimes are
a possibility in Puerto Rico. Using common sense, especially when traveling
through small towns and narrow country roads, or when you are out at night, can help prevent purse-snatching
and pick-pocketing. Beaches near major hotels can provide security that isolated
beach rentals cannot, so make accommodation selections wisely.
Geography
Wherever you are in Puerto Rico, you will find
breath-taking landscapes. The northern area of Puerto Rico is a
naturally beautiful region filled with hills that offer beautiful views. The El Yunque Rain Forest, located in east Puerto Rico, has
over 400 species living within its confines. The southern region, unlike the
northern and eastern regions that are abundant in tropical vegetation, is more arid and rocky.
The Guanica Dry Forest is just the opposite of the El Yunque Rain Forest, but
there are also a lot of indigenous species found only in this
area. Puerto Rico is also home of hundreds of beautiful beaches, with many of
the most breath-taking in San Juan. Be sure to listen for the croaks of the coqui,
a frog which is considered to be the national mascot of the island.
Climate and Weather
Puerto Rico shares with the rest of the Caribbean a lot of wonderful weather
with the January
temperatures ranging from 70 to 83 degrees. Even in the summer month of July the temperatures range
a comfortable 76 to
88. Given the lush northern and eastern areas of the
island, Puerto Rico experiences well over 50 inches of annual rainfall that support the
El Yunque Rain Forest.
Currency
The U.S. Dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico. Canadian currency is
reluctantly accepted at some of the larger hotels. All major credit cards are
also accepted in Puerto Rico.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious!
Electricity
The electricity in Puerto Rico is the same as in the United States and Canada,
which is 110-120 volts. Visitors from other areas of the world should bring
converters and adaptors.
Getting To
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the most accessible of the islands in the Caribbean
with several airports. Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San
Juan handles the majority of tourist traffic. American Airlines, in fact, uses
San Juan as the nucleus for its Caribbean travel connecting U.S. flights to less
accessible Caribbean islands. In addition, airlines like
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines,
and US Airways offer daily nonstop flights from the U.S. to Puerto Rico.
Passengers from Europe can travel on Lufthansa, British Airways, and Iberia to
San Juan.
Cruises are also available for travel to Puerto Rico; the most popular cruise lines include Carnival, Princess, and Norwegian. The impact of cruises is minimal in most areas of Puerto Rico, but San Juan, as the second largest sea port in the world, experiences more hustle and bustle than rest of the island.
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section of Getting Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
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Suggestions For
Accommodations In Puerto Rico
For accommodations in Puerto Rico listed by city, click on Search by city for hotels and other accommodations in Puerto Rico.
Visit Getting Away Accommodations, world-wide reservations available on line. And, if you are looking for a nice resort, check the Getting Away Resort Accommodations page or ResortDiscounts.com where you can find discounts at some of the world's most desirable resort locations
| San Juan - My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
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| Click on The Hilton Family of Hotels to search for Hilton Hotels along with Conrad Hotels, Doubletree Hotels, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton. Looking for a better hotel rate? They're at Hilton.com |
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| Click on Puerto Rico for suggestions for accommodations in Puerto Rico prepared for Getting Away by the Hotel Club Discount Hotel Reservation System. |
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Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa - A Wyndham Grand Resort Situated on 500 acres of beachfront property, Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa - A Wyndham Grand Resort is an escape from the mundane. Explore the nearby El Yunque Caribbean National Forest, full of streams, waterfalls, and breathtaking panoramic views. Experience another world underwater while snorkeling or diving, or venture to Old San Juan to discover Puerto Rico's history. At the Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa - A Wyndham Grand Resort, guests have countless entertainment options. With two championship golf courses designed by Greg Norman and Tom and George Fazio, as well as a putting green and driving range, golf lovers will find themselves in paradise. We also have a sprawling pool, perfect for cooling off after a game of tennis on one of our thirteen courts and, for a little indoor excitement, an onsite casino. Revitalize at the exclusive Mandara Spa and fitness center and lay out on our sandy beach. Relax in one of our 600 spacious guest rooms, including 72 suites, each with its own private balcony with inspiring views. Our oversized marble bathrooms, Italian tile, rich natural woods, and deluxe amenities were all designed to enhance your comfort. Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa - A Wyndham Grand Resort is a 100% non-smoking property. |
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Suggestions For Things To See And Do In Puerto Rico
San Juan
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Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section of Getting Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Suggestions For
Dining in Puerto Rico
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section of Getting Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Favorite Places And
Things To Do In Puerto Rico
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section of Getting Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Caribbean Travel & Life - Escape to the Caribbean with Caribbean Travel & Life. Visit romantic hideaways and luxurious resorts and discover secluded beaches and teeming coral reefs. This magazine helps you find your own perfect place in the sun. For additional information, or to purchase a subscription, click on Caribbean Travel & Life. You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
is a travel magazine for REAL people. This magazine is not just for those of
you on a budget - it's for everyone. Each issue comes packed with articles
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For additional information, or to purchase a
subscription, click on
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel.
You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
2007 Travel Alert - Passports Needed for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean. Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport. As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Click here for the State Department Summary. And, if you need a passport in a hurry, because you forgot to apply months ago when you should have and your trip is almost upon you, click on Passports In A Hurry, or on Passport Visa Express!
